The Ravagers #8 Discussion/Spoilers

[Rakzo]

My, this was a really pleasent surprise.

I did'nt thought that Mackie's issues were bad per se since it had interesting ideas and nice action, the problem was its execution, it had really bad dialogue sometimes and the characterization was not that deep.

All that changed with this issue thanks to Michael Alan Nelson who does a much better job in terms of narration, ideas, execution and complexity. This time the spotlight is given to Rose and especially Warblade who shows a dose of humor unlike his previous appearances dealing with a town of potential human bombs. It was quite interesting to see the interaction between them and the residents.

This issue gave me hope for the whole series.

[Desaad]

I picked this up digitally, just to give it a shot.

Perfectly good issue, really. In many ways better - certainly more polished - than what we're getting in Teen Titans. Quippy, kinetic, some nice dialogue.

But I can't say I was terribly engaged by the whole plot.

Still, some very solid stuff here. Strong, clear characters. I cared about even the bystanders, which is a very hard thing to do -- really enjoyed the sheriff, felt for the kids, even felt for the couple who died.

Warblade really sang, for instance. Not sure I'll continue on with this title - maybe one more shot? - but I'll certainly keep an eye out for Nelson's name in the future. Giving him the dialogue chores on "Teen Titans" would be a good move.

[Rakzo]

This issue was strong enough to make me want to see this guy in other DC books, I think he would do a good job in any line based on how he handled the concept here.

[robcastor729]

Wow great issue. I thought the opening with Rosé & Warblade interacting with the townspeople was straight out of a horror film.

[grifter78]

(No Spoilers)

The new creative team of writer Michael Alan Nelson and artist Ig Guara come on board with a more personal story than what we're used to in this title. The focus shifts away from the regular team of Ravagers and focuses on Rose Wilson and Warblade. This allows for some great fleshing-out of these characters. That combined with some solid art by Guara makes for a nice kick-off to this run.

Anytime a book has a creative change, it can be a little awkward adjusting to the transition. Sometimes the new voice a writer brings can seem a out of place. I was concerned about this at first with the way Nelson was writing Rose. She's been portrayed as tough-as-nails, no nonsense, take charge kind of girl in her appearances here as well as Teen Titans and Superboy. But in this issue she was portrayed as having a softer side which seemed out of place. But the saving grace for the change was when Warblade notices it in story. I'm glad it was addressed because now it makes me curious as to where Nelson will take Rose with this development.

Nelson also mentioned in interviews that he's had the most fun writing Warblade. This is very evident in this issue as Warblade gets some great moments of dark humor. Of all the changes the Wildstorm characters introduced into the New 52, Warblade has been one of my favorites. At first I wasn't sure if I was going to like him as a villain but he seems to have grown on me.

Guara's art is a perfect fit for this title. Sorry to say, but I wasn't too crazy about the Patrick Gleason cover so I hope Guara gets a chance to do some covers in the future. Since this issue focused on the townspeople where the story took place as much as it did on Warblade and Rose, Guara had a chance to really expand his canvas. He even takes the few townspeople who aren't on page for very long and gives them some real personality. This helps immensely when some of them don't survive. Even though I haven't known them but for more than a couple of panels, it actually made me feel bad when they died. That's great collaboration between the artist and writer.

This was definitely a great start to this creative team's run. I'm inclined to say it's new reader friendly, but I think that'll be more easily determined when the Ravagers actually show up next issue. Regardless, I think it's a nice change of pace and I look forward to what Nelson and Guara have planned next.

[Mr. Holmes]

I picked this up digitally, just to give it a shot.

Perfectly good issue, really. In many ways better - certainly more polished - than what we're getting in Teen Titans. Quippy, kinetic, some nice dialogue.

But I can't say I was terribly engaged by the whole plot.

Still, some very solid stuff here. Strong, clear characters. I cared about even the bystanders, which is a very hard thing to do -- really enjoyed the sheriff, felt for the kids, even felt for the couple who died.

Warblade really sang, for instance. Not sure I'll continue on with this title - maybe one more shot? - but I'll certainly keep an eye out for Nelson's name in the future. Giving him the dialogue chores on "Teen Titans" would be a good move.

That's more or less how I felt.

I hope they quickly put Michael Alan Nelson on a non-sinking ship. Wouldn't mind if he just got all of Teen Titans, while Lobdell can take the spinoff title.

[Robotman4]

I hope they quickly put Michael Alan Nelson on a non-sinking ship. Wouldn't mind if he just got all of Teen Titans, while Lobdell can take the spinoff title.

this issue showed some real potential. the dialogue was so much better! i would love to see him write Teen Titans. just from this issue you can tell Nelson has a knack for teen characters. Rose finally showing signs she may become more like her pre-Flashpoint self. man, they really need to get rid of Thunder. that spot could be used by so many other more interesting characters.